This year, the 2010 Merlot is the most fragrant and lightest of the entry-level wines at Pride. Sweet red cherries, dried flowers, tobacco and spices all waft from the glass of this delicate, fragrant wine, which is best suited for near and mid-term drinking. The 2010 Merlot is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. These current releases from Pride are impressive for their consistency across the board. Pride does so many things well these days. Most of the reds I tasted were 2009s, a vintage Steve Pride and winemaker Sally Johnson describe as cooler than average, but warmer than either 2010 or 2011. Most of the fruit was brought in between the end of October and early November, quite late for the year, but a great example of how fruit matures on this property, which straddles Napa and Sonoma in the heart of Spring Mountain. Tel. (707) 963-4949